:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69243577/1311151842.0.jpg)
The Dodgers placed struggling infielder Edwin Ríos on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with right shoulder inflammation that might have contributed to his recent woes at the plate.
“It’s something that over time has kind of bothered him and impeded his swing,” manager Dave Roberts said before Wednesday’s game against the Cubs. “He’ll never use it as an excuse, but I certainly believe that the shoulder affected his performance.”
Ríos has struggled mightily this season, with just four hits in 51 at-bats, hitting .078/.217/.137 and a paltry 17 wRC+. In his first two major league seasons, Ríos hit .260/.338/.634, a 152 wRC+ with 12 home runs, averaging one every 11.6 plate appearances. This year, Ríos has one home run in 60 plate appearances.
Dodgers-Cubs lineups
| Pos | Dodgers | Pos | Cubs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pos | Dodgers | Pos | Cubs |
| RF | Betts | LF | Pederson (L) |
| SS | Seager (L) | 1B | Bryant |
| 3B | Turner | SS | Báez |
| 1B | Muncy (L) | C | Contreras |
| C | Smith | RF | Heyward (L) |
| CF | Taylor | 2B | Bote |
| LF | Beaty (L) | 3B | Duffy |
| 2B | Lux (L) | CF | Marisnick |
| P | Buehler | P | Alzolay |
He’s also hitless in his last 32 at-bats, dating back to April 13.
“To get away from this hotbox, and not seeing what the scoreboard says, or hear about things,” Roberts said. ”Just to take a breath, I think it will good for him mentally, physically, and emotionally.”
With Ríos off the roster, and outfielder Luke Raley returned to the taxi squad after serving as the 27th player in the second game of Tuesday’s doubleheader, the Dodgers also recalled Edwin Uceta, giving them 14 pitchers on the active roster in the series finale against the Cubs, including 10 relievers.
The Dodgers used eight of their nine active relief pitchers in Tuesday’s doubleheader, with only Scott Alexander getting a rest while dealing with shoulder soreness. The left-hander, who is tied for the team lead with 13 appearances this season, is feeling better Wednesday and is available against Chicago in the series finale.
Notes
Joe Kelly threw on back-to-back days and been stretched to more than one inning this week at Camelback Ranch, and will join the Dodgers perhaps as early as this weekend’s series in Anaheim. “If all things check out over the next couple of days, I would anticipate Joe being with us soon,” Roberts said.
Cody Bellinger (fractured left fibula) and Zach McKinstry (right oblique strain) are still rehabbing at Camelback Ranch and playing the waiting game until they heel. Bellinger isn’t yet running at full strength. Both are expected to join a minor league affiliate for rehab assignments before returning to the Dodgers.
David Price has pitched off of a mound in Arizona, still rehabbing from his Grade 2 hamstring strain. His return time is still unclear.
ESPN will also televised Wednesday’s Dodgers-Cubs game, with Karl Ravech and Jessica Mendoza on the call, though the broadcast will be blacked out locally in the Dodgers’ television market.
Game info
Teams: Dodgers at Cubs
Location: Wrigley Field
Time: 4:40 p.m. PT
TV: SportsNet LA, ESPN (out of market)